In a decisive step to combat child trafficking and exploitation, the Punjab government has mandated DNA testing for children found begging with adults to confirm their familial ties, officials announced on Thursday. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur issued the directive to all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) under the Jeewanjyot-2 project.

If a child is seen begging with an adult, a DNA test will be conducted. Pending results, the child will be placed in a child care institution under child welfare committee supervision. Strict action will follow if tests reveal no relation to the accompanying adult. Child welfare committees will flag suspicious cases for DCs to initiate testing.

Last month, Kaur ordered DCs to make their districts 'beggar-free' with regular monitoring. The state plans to amend the Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act (1971) to impose harsher penalties on those forcing children to beg at public places like traffic lights.

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